The three main options for whole-home ventilation are exhaust-only systems, supply-only systems, and balanced systems with energy or heat recovery (ERVs and HRVs). The right choice depends on your home’s air-tightness, climate, and how much filtration and humidity control you want.
Whole-home ventilation choices
- Exhaust-only — Simple bath fan or central exhaust pulls stale air out. Affordable but provides no filtration of incoming air.
- Supply-only — A fresh-air duct ties into the HVAC return so filtered outdoor air is pulled in when the system runs.
- Balanced (ERV/HRV) — Brings in and exhausts air in equal volumes while transferring heat and humidity for top efficiency.
For tight, modern homes in the Inland Northwest, balanced ERV or HRV systems usually deliver the best comfort and the lowest operating cost. We design and install full-home solutions through our ventilation service, and we can pair them with whole-house air purification and whole-home dehumidifiers.
